Ultra-rare Nissan Fairlady Z 432 goes to auction in US

This is basically a Datsun 240Z with the powertrain of a hakosuka Skyline GT-R.

This is basically a Datsun 240Z with the powertrain of a hakosuka Skyline GT-R; a super-Z so hot and rare it was a legend in its own time. Few survived decades of racing and abuse. This one's for sale at RM's Amelia Island Auction in March.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

From afar, this is any Datsun 240Z or Nissan Fairlady, as it's known in Japan.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

A closer look reveals an unusual badge. "432." And the stacked-tip exhaust. And those wheels ... this isn't a normal Z-car, is it?

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Nope. Here's why: 432. A legendary number in the history of the Z car. It's not a displacement value; instead, it refers to the four valve, three carburetor, dual-cam S20 2-liter inline six.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

If that sounds familiar, you're probably aware that the same high-feature, advanced, competition-bred motor was under the hood of the hakosuka-generation Skyline GT-R.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Nissan made around 420 of the Z 432 models, in total. Normal US-spec 240Zs made do with a 2-valve, SOHC, twin-carb L24 inline-six making considerably less power than the Z 432.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

In addition, the Z 432 was never sold in the U.S. Instead, we got displacement bumps and eventually turbocharged second-generation cars. And emissions equipment ... can't forget those lovely power-sucking smog pumps.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Meanwhile, the Z 432 was a 7000 RPM screamer with a close-ratio 5-speed and an upgraded limited slip differential. Clearly, a lot of Z 432s went racing.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

This example is claimed (by them, not us!) to be very original and in good shape. It's been resprayed once in the original factory color, however.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Those gorgeous mag wheels are factory units that will make just about any fan of JDM wheels rubber-kneed. They are amazing-looking.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Of course, it wouldn't be a classic Japanese sportscar without fender mirrors.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

There can't be more than a handful of Z 432s in American hands. And no doubt some Japanese collectors will be eying this auction, to gauge if Americans are ready to start paying premiums for anything besides classic Skylines and 2000GTs.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

RM Auctions claims that everything works, right down to the rare flashlight in the footwell.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

The iconic shifter is a focal point in the very traditional cabin.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

RM's test driver, no doubt grinning like a fool, reports the car "runs like a scalded cat!"

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

The original radio is a far cry from modern infotainment conveniences. Then again, the S20 should be soundtrack enough.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

The gauge pods appear to be in working order. Another of the Z car's iconic features.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

The last Z 432 we can recall selling went for $100,000 on Bring a Trailer. That car was modified slightly and likely won't command the premium this one will.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Then again, who's to say? RM is selling the car with no reserve, and there's also no auction estimate. It's up to the market to decide.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Note that the rear spoiler was optional on Z 432s. This one has it. That won't hurt values.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

The original tool roll, intact. A nice touch.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Another characteristic: the diamond-stitched covering on the rear shock towers, transmission tunnel, and elsewhere. Shared with our Datsun models, however.

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

This car will be sold at the Amelia Island auction on March 14. Check out the auction listing for more information.

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